The NordicTrack X7i Incline Trainer – The Best and the Most Expensive

The Machine

The NordicTrack X7i Incline Trainer has a high-resolution 7x30 scrolling CrossTrainer™ display that shows your workout graphically as well as tracks your speed, time, distance, pulse, and calories burned. Using the 7" touch-screen TV display and a wireless network, you can access iFit Live via the internet and download the Google Map™ feature for entertaining workouts through interesting landscapes. The treadmill programming automatically adjusts the incline/decline as you explore trails and streets.

The specs on the NordicTrack X7i include:

• 3.0 CHP DurX™ Commercial Motor
• 0.5 - 12 mph 1-Touch™ Speed
• 0% - 40% 1-Touch™ Incline
• 0% to -6% 1-Touch™ Decline
• 20" x 55" Tread belt
• 18 Programs
• 7" touch-screen TV
• iFit® Live + 12 month subscription (included)*
• MP3 plug-in Compatible
• Intermix Acoustics™ 2.0 Speakers
• CardioGrip™ Heart Rate Monitor
• Reflex™ Cushioning
• CoolAire™ Workout Fan
• 350-lb. User Capacity
• Warranty: Lifetime frame & motor, 1 year parts & labor

*Wireless network required

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The Buzz

The NordicTrack X7i Incline Trainer has a 3.0 CHP motor, which is adequate for an incline trainer but just barely. Fortunately, it is covered by a lifetime motor warranty should anything go wrong, although the in-home labor warranty is only for a year. Other components include the 2.5" precision-machined rollers, and a composite construction deck with shock absorbing Reflex™ Cushioning. Of the three incline trainers currently offered by NordicTrack, the X7i is the best one and the most expensive.

These incline trainers have been used by obese contestants on The Biggest Loser under the direction of pro trainer Jillian Michaels, which is a big endorsement as to their effectiveness for strengthening the cardiovascular system, increasing endurance, and burning fat. New owners of the NordicTrack X7i have noted in their reviews that they bought it because the iFit Live module and a year’s subscription are included with the price. The iFit software allows the user to hike simulated terrain in such exotic locations as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite Park, the Diamond Head Trail in Hawaii, almost anywhere you want to go. (Unfortunately, the streets view from iFit still isn’t available as of spring 2010.) The Terrain Simulator interacts with the machine adjusting the incline and decline, while you view the landmarks in full color on the TV screen.

At least, that’s how it is supposed to work; new owners of the NordicTrack X7i Incline Trainer report problems with the interface of the iFit Live website and Google Maps feature, and have been frustrated by attempts to download programming. Otherwise, they like the machine in manual mode, but wish they had waited to buy for another year or two until the glitches and bugs had been worked out.

What We Say

Incline trainers are meant for walkers who like steep uphill courses; runners and walkers who prefer a flat workout are advised to buy a traditional treadmill for the same price. Yet, we don’t want to seem overly critical of the NordicTrack X7i in terms of what this machine delivers; it is a physical and demanding workout. The noise level and cushioning are great, but the iFit Live interface is still in development stages, and we have our doubts about the power output of both the motor and incline motor to handle the incredible stress of a steep incline at low speeds. Those weaknesses, plus the limited 1-year warranty on parts and labor, should make you think long and hard about choosing the $1,999 NordicTrack X7i Incline Trainer over better quality models offering a 15% incline.

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